Truth or Dare

The next morning Fran and Maxwell get up in time and eat breakfast together in the hotel restaurant. The big doors are opened to a nice green garden ane sue sun is shining. It is a truly beautiful start of the day.

“ I have always wondered about Niles and CC” Fran says while cutting her apple into small parts. “I think Niles has a thing for her”.

“Really?” Maxwell takes a bite of his water melon. “I have known Niles all my life but he never told me this.”

“I don’t think he knows it himself” Fran continues chewing her juicy fruit. “It took me a while to realise I was in l…” before she can slip to much she giggles. “I mean it can take a while before you realise you love someone.”

Maxwell hadn’t noticed her slip and was still engaged in attacking his watermelon with his teeth. “Well, I don’t know. But I don’t see them coming together any time soon.”

After their casual conversation they retreat to their room to get ready for Alex. Fran has again picked out a sexy summer dress and Maxwell wears another set of shorts and a polo shirt.

They are just ready when the reception tells them Alexandro is waiting for them to start the tour through Rio.

“Hi Alex” Fran hugs him as she sees him.

“Everything okay Fran?” Alex asks. “Did you two get home safely?”

“Sure” Fran says not getting into to much detail. “Mr. Sheffield just went out for some air. It was just so hot in the club.

“Hmmm, I noticed that” Alexandro says with a wink.

Maxwell’s cheeks turn instantly red. “uhm.. well, yes but it was a lovely evening and I was very pleased to meet Jenna.” He says as he shakes Alex’ hand.

“Oh, she is just so happy. She can’t wait to start on Broadway. I am sure you won’t regret it.” Alex walks over to the other side of the car to hold the door for Fran.

“I am sure I won’t” Maxwell answers smilingly.

Alex’ remark puts him right back into the club again. Oh my god, what a dance! He can clearly remember how she seduced him by dancing in front of him the way she did. He remembers how he pushed her body to his own making her feel his hardness. He was ready to take her right there on the dance floor. But then that kiss last night. It was so full of love. It confused him. On one side Miss Fine was this caring and tender woman who loved to fuss over him. But on the other hand she was a goddess, a tigress who swallows him once she gets the chance. She’s unpredictable making him lose his sanity over and over again.

The drive through Rio is long. Fran points out to various spots asking Alexandro what they are. Alerns rns out to be a patient guide. Suddenly they turn into a small street and climb a hill. On both sides are favellas visible.

“Where are we going?” Fran asks curiously looking around.

“To one of the most beautiful and most unknown view points of the city. You will have a great view from there.

After a few minutes they enter a parking lot. “This is punto Mirande” Alex explains. From here you can see the statue of Christ on one hand and have a beautiful view of the city on the other side. Just go up the stairs and you won’t miss it. I’ll just wait here and smoke a cigarette watching my car. You never know in this neighbourhood.” He smiles digging in his pockets for a smoke.

Fran and Maxwell climb the stairs to the top of the hill. It’s an easy climb and after two minutes they reach their destination. There is no one else there.

“Oh my God” Fran exclaims as she gets to the fence that’s build of rocks. “It’s like looking at a painting”.

Maxwell is speechless. In front of them lays the bay of Rio de Janeiro in its full glory. The city, the beaches and the mountains rising from the sea. The air colours a bit pink, in contrast to the blue water of the ocean.

“Look there is Christ!” Fran yells out turning Maxwell’s shoulder. She points at the statue on a mountain higher than the one they are on now.

“It’s beautiful” Maxwell says in a soft voice. Looking around him. He can not make out any people looking downwards. Cars look like little dinky toys who slowly crawl forward.

“Take a picture of me” Fran hands Maxwell the camera posing in front of the view.

He holds his breath as he looks at her through the lens. He watches her become one with her surroundings. She fits right into this magical place.

“Come on, I can’t hold this smile forever” Fran exclaims as Maxwell hasn’t pushed the button yet.

“Uhm yeah. Here we go” he pushes the button and hands the camera back to her.

Maxwell takes another look at the city. New York seems so far away now. It’s like he is in another dimension here. Just him and Fran. Fran …. Not Miss Fine. That’s her name in New York. How canstilstill call her that after all that has happened here? Why should he remain to use that formal name here? Here, In their own dimension. Today New York didn’t exist. Today she will be just Fran.

Maxwell turns to Fran catching her staring at him. “New York seems so far away here, Mr. Sheffield” she says with a slight grin on her face.

“It is.” Maxwell answers leaning a bit closer to her. “It IS far away, Fran”.

Fran’s eyes widen. Fran? Did she hear that right?

“Mr. Sheff…” he puts a finger to her lips.

“Maxwell” he says, eyeing her seriously. “Max” he adds.

“Max?” her heart pounds. His hand is now resting on her arm.

‘”Fran” he repeats her name, loving the sound of it in his mouth. His hand is automatically stroking her arm.

“Max” her nasal tone gives an edge to his name, he hadn’t heard before. He likes it.

Maxwell leans closer again. Putting his other hand on her waist. “Fran” it’s almost a whisper now.

Fran puts both her arms on his back, drawing him closer to her. “Max” it’s only a breath na bra breath against his face. He closes his eyes.

“Fran, Fran, Fran” his voice is so soft now, she can hardly believe that the words reach her ears. But they do and they sound like the most enticing symphony.

Their lips touch slightly now. “Max” she breathes into his mouth.

“Fran” it’s more a groan now. His lower teeth scrape against her chin, followed by his lips.

“Max” she groans back, tilting her head to let their mouths fit.

She instantly feels his tongue inside her mouth, hungry and wanting. She returns this need and pushes her own against his. His hands move down to her lower back, massaging her buttocks. She lets her hands wander through his hair. Moving it wildly through his silky curls. Their tongues are engaged in a heated battle. Both trying to taste more and more of each other, never getting enough.

Fran moves one hand down to his buttocks grabbing firmly in his flesh. It makes Maxwell tilts his head back. “Fran!” he calls out in a hoarse voice. She kisses his neck, softly biting at it. Maxwell moves one hand to her head and digs his fingers in her thick hair, letting his hand follow the fierce motions as she is tasting his skin.

He pulls softly at the darks strands of her hair making her head snap back, just like she had done to him, a week ago. He covers her mouth again with his own. Claiming it to be his.

In the heat of passion they suddenly hear a cough and break apart.

“I am sorry” Alex stand there with a embarrassed look on his face. “I juts got a little worried where you guys were”.

“Uhm” Maxwell starts, looking at Fran.

“We just got caught up in the beauty of this place” Fran tries to safe them, not being able to prevent her broad smile to shine through.

“Uh huh” Alex mockingly answers as he turns around and climbs back down the stairs.
“Okay” Maxwell says looking at the ground.

“Yeah, that was pretty okay, Max” Fran says leaning back against the stone.

Maxwell looks up at Fran. Her cheeks are a bit flushed. His first urge is to start with his usual “I am sorry” but he holds back. Actually he doesn’t know what to be sorry about.

He looks around, standing there hundreds of feet above the city, above the world, looking down on it. What should he be scared of? He has just kissed a beautiful woman and she has kissed him back. Even more than that she had shown him how much she wanted to taste him. It felt good. Why should he be sorry? It just felt good to love her and to be loved. If God or Sara had a problem with that they should come and tell him. They were close now. He was looking down on the world as they were looking down on him. He was God now. His own God and he could do as he bloody well wanted. This is what he wanted, who he wanted. And, darn, she is lovely.

Fran is looking at Maxwell, standing in the centre of the small square. He looks at her, then around him. She sees him fighting his guilt and fears. He raises his head up to the sky and mumbles something inaudible. Than he fixes his eyes on Fran again. A smile plays around the corners of his lips.

He shakes his head with a grin “Wow Fran” he says, sounding very unlike himself.

“You take the words right out my mouth, Mr …Max” Fran answers with the same grin. She still has to get used to using his first name.

He walks towards her and puts his arms around her. “Don’t get started on your mouth Fran” he says giving a soft kiss on her cheek. He loves to use her name in every sentence. “That mouth of yours is something else, Fran”.

Fran giggles nervously. This is not what she had expected him to do after that mind blowing kiss. Her name being pronounced by him must be the most beautiful thing she has ever heard. He makes it sound like “Frawn”, a total different tone she she is used to hearing.

“Hmmmm, I can say the same about yours Max”. She hugs him tightly.

This is the moment. The perfect moment to tell her he loves her but his throat dries up. He can’t produce any sound anymore. He slowly lets go of her until they’re face to face again. He opens his mouth, trying to form words. Nothing comes out.

Fran looks at him expectantly. He tries again, finally he is able to produce some sounds “Fran…” but his nerves fail him. “Let’s go down again. Alex is waiting for us”. He takes her hand in his and guides her down the stairs.

Fran looks at him struggling with words. She herself is struggling as well. Her heart cries out to tell him how much he means to her, how much she cares. How much she … loves him. And oh my, does she love him. There is no breath she takes without thinking of him. In a heartbeat she thinks about blurting out her feelings. Her mouth tries to find the words, but then Maxwell is the first to speak.

She looks at him, expectantly, “Fran…” he starts. “Let’s go down again. Alex is waiting for us”

Damn, she thinks. But then again, she shouldn’t expect too much all at once.

The ride to the statue is silent but Maxwell is still holding on to Fran’s hand. Slowly caressing it.

Fran can’t stop smiling. She has never experienced Maxwell being so affective towards her and it’s a great feeling. She has no idea where it will lead them but it’s a good start. At least his demons seem to be away for this moment. You just never know when they’ll be back. She decides to at least cherish the moment as long as it takes.

When they arrive at the statue Alex guides them towards the elevator. “I’ll leave you two alone again. Just take the elevator upstairs and you will instantly see his feet” he grins. “And it’s again a very romantic place so don’t leave me waiting too long”

Fran catches his wink and smiles back. Maxwell looks down with his hands in his pockets, not really knowing how to react. Fran just takes him by the arm and drags him towards the elevator.

There are two guys guarding the lift and bringing them upstairs. The silence is awkward. Fran tries to break it.

“I am really exciting about seeing the statue. It looks so magical from below.” She starts, looking at him sideways.

“Yes, yes I am a tad curious as well” Maxwell mumbles fumbling with the buttons of his polo. He is still in shock about how he was on the verge of telling her he loves her. He doesn’t know what is worse, that he was about to tell her or that he didn’t in the end. He looks at her again. Yes, he does love her, so very much. But is it the time to tell her? He can’t just tell her and than go on like nothing has happened. He isn’t the guy to just have a ‘girlfriend’ and Fran deserves more. He wouldn’t wait too long with marrying her after he has declared his love. It is the way it should be, for her, for him, for the children. Setting the right example. But loving her was one thing, how about marriage? Was he really up for that roller coaster ride with this incredible creature. He had to think straight now. The steps were going so fast now. One and a half week ago there was just a boss and nanny relationship. Okay, they had overstepped some boundaries already but it was all clear.

This weekend they kept overstepping all kinds of boundaries and they were so close now to the point of no return. Last night she retreated to her room, but he was about to call her back. The urge tke hke her his own was so strong at the moment, and she was so very willing. He knows she feels the same way and whenever they are together alone they end up exploring those feeling further and further. He didn’t want her to be a one-night stand. If it happens, it should happen for real.

Fran looks at Maxwell fumbling with his buttons. She can tell he is nervous. She knows he was about to say something important there on that hill but failed in the end. It doesn’t matter. Maybe it shouldn’t go this fast, but it does. Every minute they seem to get closer to each other. Fran really wants to be honest and tell him how she feels, what she wants. She wants to tell him they need each other and how she can be there for him. Shelter him from pain, showing him love. But is he ready? He seems so vulnerable. They way he was last night struck her. It showed how much he cared for her but it also showed how scared he was for that feeling. If it wasn’t this weekend it would be another,ntuantually they would end up together. The thought thrilled her. But how long could they wait after having had so many ‘hot’ moments together lately. She hopes the physical attraction doesn’t rush it too much. She vows to herself that she won’t let anything ‘big’ happen, before she can tell him how she feels. She wants it all and forever. Not just for this weekend.

Hey step out of the elevator together. Maxwell automatically taking her hand in his. They walk up right behind the statue. ‘Oh Wow, this is him” Fran calls out as the statue rises up in front of them.

“Hmm, it’s not so big” Maxwell mumbles looking it up and down. “The statue of liberty is bigger”.

“You are right” Fran says wile walking around it and looking at it from up front. “I think the Lady of New York is bigger. But he’s nonetheless a cutie”

“A cutie Miss Fine?” Maxwell laughs.

Fran turns to him. “Yeah he is. Why not MR. SHEFFIELD?” stressing his last name.

“Sorry, FRAN” he answers with a huge smile. “but somehow it does seem a bit weird to qualify Jesus as a cutie.”

“Ah you Christians are so uptight about those things. To us, he was just another fellow on the streets.” Fran pats him on the arm, dragging him along to the far side of the terrace.

“But he looks impressive anyway.” She continues looking at the statue from a bit further. “can you take a picture of me?” She waves her camera again in front of her.

“I take picture of you two?” A friendly Japanese guy looks at them smilingly.

“You and wife stand there and I make beautiful picture” he says pointing at the stairs in front of the statue.

Maxwell looks at Fran “uh, yes please” he answers. “That’s very kind of you”. He hands him the camera and they stand in front of the statue.

‘Smile” the man yells. Fran puts both arms around Maxwell and draws him close against her. Just as the Japanese man pushes the button she gives Maxwell a kiss on his cheek.

“Oh beautiful” the man exclaims as he hands them the camera back. “You very lucky man sir”. With a big grin he turns around and leaves them again.

“Hey lucky man” Fran loves to tease him with these kind of remarks. “I am gonna check out the view from there” she says as she walks towards the end of the terrace.

Maxwell remains there staring at her. Was he a lucky man? He asks himself as he watches her walking to the edge. Her hips sway from side to side like usual making her dress move with every step. Her legs look as perfect as they did last night. He waits for a breeze to lift up her skirt a little so he can see more. But the breeze doesn’t come. He suddenly feels the growing desire to touch those legs, feel them again like yesterday on the beach.

He walks up behind her as she is looking over the stone fence. She doesn’t notice him coming closer until she sees his hands on both sides beside her. “Yes, I am a lucky man” she hears him with a low voice in her ear. She instantly stiffens feeling his breath against her ear.

His breath shifts to the back of her neck. She closes her eyes, waiting for his lips to touch her skin but they don’t. His breath shifts to her other ear. “With what idea did you choose this dress this morning, Fran?” he asks again in that low voice. His breath is now very warm on her ear.

Fran remains looking at the bay in front of her, unable to move. “I liked it, don’t you?” she answers with a trembled voice. Yesterday evening she was so bold, seducing him with that dance but now he is so close, so confident, so irresistible.

“Oh yes I like it Fran, I like it very much” he breaths on her the skin just under her ear. She feels his body covering her. His heart is pounding on her back.

“Isn’t this beautiful?” Fran tries to divert him a little. Her temperature is rising quickly and with all these people around it isn’t the right place.

“Yes”, his voice sounds husky as his breath has shifted more down to the side of her neck. Maxwell inhales her scent with closed eyes. “I think you are beautiful”.

She feels his nose against her neck. He softly strokes her skin with it. “I think you are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on” he continues, nuzzling her skin with his nose.

“Thank you” it comes out the deep of her throat.

What is he doing? Maxwell thinks in a split second. There he was just thinking about not rushing it too much and now he was touching her again. One look at her and all his promises were worth squad! Hmm, his nose feels aga against her skin. Her smell is so intoxicating. Why did everything have to be so difficult? Why did his mind and body contradict?

Fran tries to get her nerves together. She must turn around now and face him. See what happens.

She moves hesitantly using her hands on the fence to turn her body. Maxwell is so close, her body brushes up against him as she turns around.

“Hiya” she says as they are face to face.

“Hi” Maxwell responds looking her straight in the face. His hands are still on the fence, holding her hostage between his arms.

He studies her intently. Again a perfect moment to tell her. Or maybe not. There is that fear again. One side of his head screams; “do it, do it”. the other one screams “no, not yet. It’s too soon.” To what part should he listen now? He can’t trust his own body anymore, it’s out of control when she his near. But he shouldn’t listen to his body anyway. It can’t think. So many men have made serious mistakes by listening to anything else than their heads..

Fran feels her urge for him. She studies ever inch of his face. He is perfect to her. His eyes, the way he can lift his eyebrows, his lower lip, which is a bit bigger than his upper lip. The fine lines beside his eyes. She loves every line in his face. She loves every tremble in his voice and every hair on his head. Especially the grey streak. She can’t help reaching out for it.

“Did this streak really get bigger since I started working for you?” she asks him as she lets her fingers slide through the silver coloured hairs.

Maxwell smiles. “I think it wasn’t even there before you arrived.”

Fran lets her hand slide through it one more time. “You’re lying. I remember seeing it when I handed you my resume.”

Maxwell chuckles again. “Yes, that lip stick written resume was a classic. I don’t understand what had got into me, hiring you on that base.”

Fran doesn’t smile, she just looks seriously at him. Stroking the side of his face with her hand. “Then why did you hire me Maxwell Sheffield?”

He smiles, wanting to crack a joke, but her serious look makes him decide otherwise. He swallows. Yes, it was a good question. Why had he hired her? To be honest he had no faith in her ability as a nanny whatsoever.

“I was desperate” he tries to get himself out of it. And indeed he was. There was no other nanny available so that’s why he hired her.

She tugs at the buttons of his shirt. “Really? For what? A nanny or a woman?” She looks up at him innocently.

Maxwell rises his eyebrow, “a nanny of course!” Fran is still looking at him the same way. “at first.”

He sighs. She wants him to tell it but he isn’t ready. How can he tell her how much she came to mean to him? Complimenting her on her appearance and sexy dresses always remains a bit superficial, there were no promises in those compliments. Telling her what she means to him is so definite. They can never go back to the way they were after he has told her. He can never take back his declaration. Why can’t she understand?

“Okay, you came to mean so much more to me. Is that what you want to hear?” his voice s a s a bit. He feels like a caged tiger now.

Fran backs away a little. Maybe she has gone a bit too far now. It’s not the first time this weekend Maxwell backs away when the flirting becomes a bit more serious. But why is it so difficult to admit what they havgethgether? Stupid question. She knows. She knows his issues. She might not understand it all but she is familiar with his fears. She can’t understand because she hasn’t been through what he has been through. She might have not been that lucky in love, but she never lost anyone so close, never had the childhood he had.

She smiles at him. His face is tight. Scared, waiting for her to set him free. But how?

“Maxwell” she softly says. His face opens up a bit as his attention is totally on hers.

“Yes” he answers slowly. Stretching the ‘e’ until the end of his breath.

He looks down on the hands that are on his chest, they are shaking. He then moves his gaze to her face again. She is wetting her lips with her tongue, seemingly trying to build up the courage to say something.

She opens her mouth, it’s now or never. She has to set him free and this might just be the way to do it. If he can’t do it himself, She will take the first step. All she had to do is being honest. That shouldn’t be so hard.

“Maxwell” she repeats his name, buying herself more time. He doesn’t answer now, just waits expectantly.

All kinds of thoughts are racing through his head. He can see it in her eyes. She wants to tell him something. Tell him she loves him. He is sure about that. A big lump forms itself in his stomach. He doesn’t know whether to be thrilled or scared. Whether to run or stay. He has no option, his body doesn’t want to move and deep inside he wants to hear her say those words. It would mean the world to him.

She is still looking at him, merely gazing. Her mouth is slightly open. She shakes her head. “I..” she swallows then starts anew. “Maxwell, I l…” just at that moment a big blonde woman bumps into them and they almost tumble sideways. Maxwell can just get hold of Fran’s elbow and pushes her back to a normal standing position.

“You big fat cow” Fran screams to the woman. Hating her for interrupting the moment.

Maxwell puts a hand across her mouth. “Shhhh, please be a little more polite” he says as he draws her away from that woman who looks furiously at Fran.

“Polite?” Fran saus loudly. “When she bumped in, I was just about to….” Then she looks at Maxwell and stops.

“say how much I loved the view” she saves herself trying to bring a genuine smile across.